Human remains discovered on Sacramento River identified as prehistoric Native American

Human bones discovered by a person walking along the Sacramento River last week were determined to be a prehistoric Native American, the Yolo County's Coroner's Office announced Tuesday.

The fragments of bone consisted of little more than a couple of teeth and other particles, according to a representative of the Yolo County Sheriff's Department.

The remains were found at the weir north of County Road 127 and east of Old River Road around 11 a.m. Friday on a two-foot stretch of beach that has appeared only because water levels have fallen so low due to the drought.

Earlier, it was determined that the teeth were human, but the time period couldn't be determined.

Gina Moya, chief deputy coroner, however, reported the bones were collected and later submitted to the Chico State Human Identification Laboratory, which found they were those of a prehistoric Native American.

Moya said once the bones were identified as being Native American, the California Native American Heritage Commission was notified so the bones could be reburied once the appropriate tribal representatives are contacted.